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Senator Griffo: change laws so seized counterfeit merchandise can go to those in need

By WKTV News

Story Created: Feb 9, 2012 at 5:35 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 9, 2012 at 6:30 PM EDT

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - Law enforcement agencies nationwide seize millions of counterfeit goods every year, and one local official wants to change the laws so that the knock-off merchandise could be given to those in need.

A lot of that merchandise is clothing, jackets, hats and even boots. Currently, it is the law in New York State that once the goods are confiscated, they must be destroyed. Senator Joe Griffo is introducing legislation that would change that. He wants to take the knock-off products and give them to people who are truly struggling.

Standing in front of a slew of confiscated merchandise at the NYS Police Barracks in Marcy on Thursday, Senator Griffo explained his plans.

"We are going to push to allow for this type of material that you see assembled behind me...the trademark would be in some way taken away in order to respect the industry, but the clothing would be able to be distributed to those who are truly in need," Senator Griffo said.

Senator Griffo is hoping to distribute the clothing to places like the Rescue Mission and the Compassion Coalition.
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